Medal hunt to begin in Glasgow at World Athletics Indoor Championships

As the Olympic spirit begins to stir across the globe, seven of Australia’s leading athletes including four global medallists and four national record holders will come together to don the green and gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow from March 1-3.

Serving as a prelude to the Olympic spectacle in Paris, the 2024 edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships will see more than 700 competitors from 130 countries take part in the biennial event which showcases the short-form version of the sport.

Spearheading the Australian team will be former world champion Eleanor Patterson who will compete for her fourth consecutive global medal in the women’s high jump, while friendly foe Olympic silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers, World Championships bronze medallist Kurtis Marschall and World Cross Country Championships medallist and short track Australian record holder Jessica Hull join the star-studded line up on the indoor stage.

With medals from the three prior World Athletics Series events, including silver at the last iteration of the championships, Patterson will look to continue her reign as one of the world’s best high jumpers by adding to her impressive collection.

“It’s a big but very exciting year this year. Everyone puts their heart and soul into their preparation, and being an Olympic year you see incredible performances and people rising to the occasion and having performances of their lives,” Patterson said.

Facing Oceania record holder at 2.03m Olyslagers, as well as the likes of reigning world indoor and outdoor champion and world leader Yaroslava Mahuchikh (UKR), the credentialled Australian will need to raise the bar once again for a chance to land on another global podium.

“Women’s high jump right now is certainly an impressive field and I know I’ll be up against very tough competitors. All I can do is back myself and go out there, and put my best foot forward. I think medals this year will be needing a two-metre plus jump to be snapped up,” Patterson said.

“I believe in myself going into this and I believe in those around me who help me each and every step of the way.”

The world medallists will be joined by Australian record holders, each with their own tales of grit and glory as Catriona Bisset (800m) and Linden Hall (1500m), as well as Australia’s second fastest sprint hurdler of all-time Michelle Jenneke take in the international competition experience before their main event in July.

“This team is one of the strongest teams we have ever sent to a World Athletics Indoor Championships and I have every reason to believe that this cohort of athletes can add to Australia’s rich history of success at these championships,” Athletics Australia General Manager, High Performance Andrew Faichney said.

“Four global medallists in the mix as well as our fastest athletes over a number of distances is a statement of intent, and with preparation for the Olympic Games only intensifying, I’m looking forward to seeing our athletes lay down their work at the first major championships of the year.”  

The World Athletics Indoor Championships will begin on Friday, March 1, with Australian viewers able to watch it via SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand, with full replays available after the conclusion of each event.

NB: Australian 800m record holder Joseph Deng had been selected but has since withdrawn from the team due to a lower back injury following a NSW Milers race on Thursday, February 22.

Australian Team at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships

Women (6)

800m    Catriona Bisset (Vic, Ned Brophy-Williams)
1500m Linden Hall (Vic, Ned Brophy-Williams)
3000m  Jessica Hull (NSW, Simon Hull)
60m Hurdles  Michelle Jenneke (Qld, Bronwyn Thompson)
High Jump  Nicola Olyslagers (NSW, Matt Horsnell), Eleanor Patterson (NSW, Alex Stewart)

Men (1)

Pole Vault Kurtis Marschall (WA, Paul Burgess)

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 23/2/2024